Patents by Inventor Matthew C. Birch
Matthew C. Birch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11821713Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 11525655Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 11414174Abstract: Multiple redundant harmonic drive motors on a rotor head actuate the angle of attack of rotor blades at the rotor blade roots, providing collective control that, in combination with a system for providing cyclic control on the rotor blades, eliminates the need for a swashplate, thereby advantageously reducing the weight and maintenance cost of a helicopter, increasing its reliability, and reducing its vulnerability to ballistic attack.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Matthew C. Birch, Zak Sowie
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Patent number: 11060829Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Orbital Research IncInventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 11041702Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 10545012Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 10520291Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 10203188Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Orbital Research IncInventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 10112700Abstract: A multi-mode mobility micro air vehicle (MAV) accomplishes ground locomotion by hopping on a retractable leg. The hopping is translated into forward locomotion when aided by the forward thrust of propellers, and the orientation of locomotion is directed by aerodynamic controls like ailerons, rudders, stabilators, or plasma actuators. The foot of the leg is convexly curved so as to produce hopping that is statically and passively dynamically stable. The MAV is also equipped for vertical takeoff so that it may conduct multiple idling missions in sequence and may return home for recovery and reuse. Structural integration of power storage and photovoltaic generation systems into the aerodynamic surface of the MAV lightens the weight of the MAV while also providing a strong structure and permitting the MAV to harvest its own energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Matthew C. Birch, Richard Kolacinski
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Patent number: 10077102Abstract: Multiple redundant harmonic drive motors on a rotor head actuate the angle of attack of rotor blades at the rotor blade roots, providing collective control that, in combination with a system for providing cyclic control on the rotor blades, eliminates the need for a swashplate, thereby advantageously reducing the weight and maintenance cost of a helicopter, increasing its reliability, and reducing its vulnerability to ballistic attack.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Orbital Research IncInventors: Matthew C. Birch, Zak Sowle
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Patent number: 9939240Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 9939238Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 9658040Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 9395167Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 9086258Abstract: A guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
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Patent number: 8235324Abstract: A helicopter uses multiple redundant harmonic drive motors on the rotor head to actuate the angle of attack of rotor blades at the rotor blade roots, providing collective control that, in combination with a system for providing cyclic control on the rotor blades, eliminates the need for a swashplate, thereby advantageously reducing the weight and maintenance cost of the helicopter, increasing its reliability, and reducing its vulnerability to ballistic attack.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.Inventors: Matthew C. Birch, Zak Sowle